Conditions at Salgueiros in May
May: Groveling and Choppy but Still Rippable
May is a transition month with a summer feel. Swell averages 3.5-4ft (1.1m) at 9.9s, and the period is telling - the North Atlantic is no longer producing consistent long-period groundswell. The direction is still from the favorable west/northwest quadrant (WNW 39%, NW 35%, W 19%), but much of the energy is windswell and shorter-period swell.
The wind becomes the main issue. Offshore conditions drop to only 23%, with the NNW nortada dominating at 30%. On many days the ocean is lumpy and bumpy, though dawn patrol can still offer clean, fun-sized peaks. Water temp reaches 15.7°C and air averages 15.9°C, with less rain. It is time for a 3/2mm suit and small-wave boards.
Average Spot conditions at Salgueiros in May
Swell history for May
Wind history for May
Swell quality
Analyze the groundswell consistency at Salgueiros during May. Based on historical data, there is a % probability of groundswell occurring this month. The chart below provides a detailed breakdown of the average wave height distribution, offering deep insights into the swell quality and surf potential you can expect at Salgueiros for your next trip in May.
Ground swell
Ground swell by size
Wind conditions
Evaluate the wind and swell alignment at Salgueiros for May. Our analysis shows that favorable offshore or side-shore winds coincide with surfable swell approximately % of the time. The accompanying graph illustrates the average size distribution of waves during these optimal wind windows at Salgueiros.